What is Banqer?

Banqer is an Ōtautahi-based social enterprise with a vision of a world where every ākonga is empowered to thrive financially. Our kaupapa is grounded in the belief that financial education should be accessible, engaging, and culturally meaningful, supporting intergenerational wellbeing and long-term financial independence for whānau and communities.

Our journey began in schools, where we developed interactive, real-world simulations that allow rangatahi to learn about money by doing. Through the Banqer platform, participants build financial skills in a safe, guided environment, earning income, paying bills, managing spending, saving, investing, and responding to unexpected events. Rather than learning about money in theory, participants practise making decisions and experience the outcomes, building confidence through hands-on learning.

Today, Banqer has supported more than 700,000 ākonga across Aotearoa and Australia, and we continue to evolve our platforms to support not only young people, but also pakeke and whānau. Whether used in classrooms, workplaces, or community settings, Banqer provides practical tools that help people grow financial capability, strengthen confidence, and make informed decisions that support their aspirations now and into the future.

Why financial literacy matters

Financial confidence supports long-term wellbeing - not just for individuals, but for whānau and communities. Money decisions are part of everyday life, and financial skills can help people feel more in control, more prepared, and better equipped to make choices that support their goals. Banqer helps learners practise the kinds of financial decisions they will face in real life, in a way that feels engaging and relevant.

Banqer for rangatahi

Banqer High is an online platform where rangatahi learn crucial financial literacy skills in a hands-on, safe, and controlled environment. Young people want to be prepared for life after school. Banqer introduces rangatahi to financial decision-making before they face it in the real world, helping build confidence through practice.

Rangatahi work through 10 key financial topics:

• Banking
• Credit and Debit
• Careers
• KiwiSaver
• Renting
• Home Ownership
• Budgeting
• Personal Risk Insurance
• General Insurance
• Stock Exchange

We simulate real-life events, such as stock market changes, natural events, and job promotions, to keep learners engaged and deepen understanding.

Banqer for pakeke

Banqer Beyond covers the financial concepts adults need to navigate their day-to-day finances with confidence. Learning is delivered through simulation-based experiences, where participants practise money management in the Banqer world. Topics range from banking and budgeting through to employment and risk management. By allowing learners to practise financial decisions in a sandbox environment, Banqer supports not only knowledge and comprehension, but also the development of positive financial behaviours.

What the experience looks like

Participants learn through a simulation-based experience. This means they'll:

• Log in online and access their own account
• Be introduced to financial concepts
• Work through practical activities, making decisions that affect their outcomes
• Learn from both progress and mistakes in a safe environment
• Build confidence through repetition and real-world scenarios

How do I use Banqer?

Participants will register online, then receive an email invite to join the programme. To complete the programme, participants will need access to a laptop or tablet and an internet connection. Banqer is browser-based (there is no app to download). The programme takes approximately 15–30 minutes per day to complete.

Support during the programme

Banqer will send participants guidance emails during the programme to help them stay on track and get the most from the experience. If extra support is required, the Banqer team will be available via email to help throughout the programme during normal business hours.

Key details

• Programme start date: 9 April 2026
• Time commitment: approx. 15–30 minutes per day
• Access: laptop or tablet, internet connection
• How it works: register online, then join via email invite
• Support: participant guidance emails provided during the programme